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Trophyman FC - The Early Years This page is dedicated to Club Founder, Andy Hargreaves who tragically died in September 2005 Aged 46. Without the enthusiasm of Andy and Andy Simpson, this club would not exist today. Below are some early photographs and Club Records for the years 1988 -1991. With Many Thanks to Ed Woodhouse for supplying the Photographs and Records.
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The club was formed in February 1989 by Andy Hargreaves and Andy Simpson in February 1989 playing it's first match in the Solent Conference League at Riverside Park. Prior to this, the Trophyman 5 a side team played regularly in the St Mary's Sports Hall Saturday Evening League. The photograph below is the Trophyman team in 1988. Check out the dodgy haircuts !!
Back Row - Duncan Davies, Andy Hargreaves and Ed Woodhouse
Front Row - Mystery Man, Troy Parker and Andy Simpson.
During the St Mary's League Trophyman built up a friendly rivalry with another team, Emery Down and the two sides often battled it out for the league titles. Below is a photograph of Emery Down after they were victorious in one such battle.
Back Row - Paul Moss and Peter Kingett
Middle Row - Rob Baker and Steve Harris
Front Row - Simon Ross and Duncan Jefferies
This friendly rivalry lead to the two sides merging to play 11 a side football in the Solent Conference League.
The photograph below was taken in April 1989 wearing a borrowed kit before Trophyman agreed to sponsor the newly formed club.
Back Row - Pete Anstis, Andy Nicholas, Rob Baker, Andy Kennesion, Paul Neal and Chris Bryant
Front Row - Mystery Man, Ed Woodhouse, Andy Hargreaves and Andy Simpson
The club's record in their first season was far from impressive and read as follows -
Played 15 Won 5 Drew 2 Lost 8 Goals For 38 Goals Against 51.
However, with the signing of a few experienced players the following season was much more impressive. The following photograph was taken in April 1990.
Back Row - Vic Gupta, Scott Augur, Paul Neal, Rob Baker, Andy Kennesion and Paul Neal
Front Row - Chris Bryant, Mike Edwards, Andy Nicholas, Andy Hargreaves and Ed Woodhouse.
With the attacking trio of Hargreaves, Bryant and Edwards, the team scored a massive 136 goals in just 27 matches. The full record for the season was as follows -
Played 27 Won 15 Drew 3 Lost 9 Goals For 136 Goals Against 61.
The early days of Trophyman FC laid the foundations of the club as it is today. Then as now, the emphasis was on enjoying football rather than the win at any cost mentality of some clubs. I am sure that all the players that played for the club in the early 90's thoroughly enjoyed their football during this time. I have used a quote of one such player, Paul Neal, who wrote the following " II have fond memories of playing football for Trophyman. Who else could have we played for which allowed us to play in such way out places as Ford Open Prison, Haslar, Warsash Maritime Museum, IBM Havant and Stokes Bay. Happy Days !!!! "
Andy Hargreaves - Gone but Never Forgotten by this Football Club.
